Visiting Iceland is about more than seeing waterfalls and glaciers – it’s also about connecting with the people who live here. Learning how to greet people in Iceland will make your trip feel warmer, more authentic, and a lot more fun. Whether you’re checking in at Ourhotels.is properties like Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, The Stykkishólmur Inn, or Ísafjörður Inn, a few simple Icelandic phrases can go a long way.
The most common greeting you’ll hear is “Hæ” (pronounced like “hi”). It’s casual, friendly, and used in almost every situation – from cafés in Borgarnes to the reception desk at Hvítá Inn. If you want something slightly more formal, you can say “Halló,” which works well when you’re meeting someone for the first time, such as your host or guide.
Time-of-day greetings are also easy to remember:
– “Góðan daginn” – Good day (used most of the day)
– “Góða kvöldið” – Good evening
– “Góða nótt” – Good night
When you arrive at one of the Ourhotels.is locations, try greeting the staff with “Góðan daginn” and a smile. At The Stykkishólmur Inn, for example, starting your check-in with a simple Icelandic greeting is a great icebreaker and often leads to local tips about the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, hidden viewpoints, or the best seafood in town.
Icelanders are generally informal and use first names, even in professional settings. You’ll notice this when you stay at Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords – staff will likely introduce themselves by first name and expect you to do the same. A simple “Ég heiti…” (“My name is…”) followed by your name is perfectly polite and natural.
Here are a few useful phrases you can use throughout your stay:
– “Hæ, hvernig hefurðu það?” – Hi, how are you?
– “Takk” – Thanks
– “Takk fyrir” – Thank you (a bit more complete)
– “Gaman að kynnast þér” – Nice to meet you
Imagine arriving at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður after a day exploring the hot springs and lava fields of West Iceland. You walk up to the front desk and say, “Hæ, góðan daginn!” The response will almost always be warm, and you may find the conversation naturally continues in English – but you’ve already shown interest in the local culture, which Icelanders truly appreciate.
Body language is simple and relaxed in Iceland. A friendly nod, eye contact, and a natural smile are enough. Handshakes are used when meeting someone for the first time, especially in more formal situations, but you won’t usually see big hugs or kisses on the cheek with strangers. At Ourhotels.is properties, you can expect a calm, welcoming atmosphere where you’re encouraged to feel at home without any pressure to be overly formal.
In smaller towns like Stykkishólmur and Ísafjörður, greetings can feel even more personal. When you step out from The Stykkishólmur Inn to explore the harbor or return to Ísafjörður Inn after a day in the dramatic Westfjords, a simple “Hæ” to people you pass on the street or in local shops is perfectly normal and a nice way to blend in with the local rhythm of life.
If you’re worried about pronunciation, don’t be. Icelanders are used to visitors and are patient and encouraging when you try a few words. Even if you only remember “Hæ” and “Takk,” using them at Ourhotels.is locations and around town will make your interactions feel more genuine.
By choosing to stay at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, The Stykkishólmur Inn, or Ísafjörður Inn, you’re already placing yourself in the heart of real Icelandic communities. Add a few local greetings to your vocabulary, and you’ll discover that the landscapes aren’t the only thing that’s welcoming in West and Westfjords Iceland – the people are, too.
